The Sanderson Field R/C Flyers 2018 Winter Build Challenge
This gallery of images tells the story of the 2018 Sanderson Field R/C Flyers Winter Build Challenge. The registered, newly-constructed planes, built during the winter months, were flown for the first time at the event. Awards and a chance for prizes were given to the entrants.
This gallery is best viewed on a PC or laptop. The default size for most images is 1400 pixels—although you can view scaled-down images on small monitors, phones, and tablets.
I hope you enjoy viewing these images as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Gallery
Before the First Flight
On Saturday, June 2, 2018, I arrived at Sanderson Field, Shelton, WA, at 9:15 AM. Most event participants, including a large number of observers and event workers, were already present. The registration table was fully staffed and aircraft were undergoing final assembly and safety checks. The weather promised to be good for flying with little breeze and lots of sunshine. With the exception of one maverick whirlwind, which threatened to carry away tents and aircraft, the weather was great throughtout the day. Fortunately, due to the quick reactions of pilots and observers, there was little damage to the aircraft and lots of expert help for repair, if needed.
New Aircraft in Review
The new aircraft were first arranged near the flight line for review and photographs.
PILOTS, MAN YOUR PLANES!
After a pilots' meeting, which included a welcome by Jody Diaz, one pilot readied his plane for immediate flight while others waited their turns—ready to go. Only one pilot at a time was allowed to fly. Photographers positioned themselves to capture each flight.
The Flying Begins
Exibition Flying
After the last contest flight, and during lunch, the field was opened for some fine exhibition flying.
Awards and Prizes
Each event entrant received a comemorative plaque. Each contestent who successfully completed his flight also received a brass commemorative "coin" and were entered into a drawing for some great prizes.
Off the Flying Field
Throughout the day, there was plenty of time to talk with both old and new friends. Mt. Rainier, with its peak hidden by a cicle of cloud, was still pretty spectacular. Skydivers from Skydive Kapowsin were active throughtout the day.
Resources
- Sanderson Field RC Flyers home page
- Skyward Hobbies
- NorthWestRC
- Carolina Custom Kits
- Balsa USA
- Bruce Tharpe Engineering
About the Images
The images were taken with a Canon Rebel T3i. For the images on the flying field, I used a Canon EF 100mm macro lens. I used spot focusing and shot the images at 1/800 of a second. All images received simple processing in Photoshop and were saved as low-resolution JPEG images that were optimized for the Web.